What is Life’s Purpose?

That very question came up when I happened across a tweeted quote from the Dali Lama. I thought, “Really? That’s the only reason we’re here?” That opened a full discussion that I shared today with Jennifer Slattery on her blog. Please visit there and say hi when you stop by!

Cover Reveal for GRIME BEAT

Please welcome GRIME BEAT! The first book in the Grime Fighter novella series which will be available on Amazon starting tomorrow morning (barring unforeseen complications.)

Sound a little like

Living in God’s Grace

Link to the main article of “A Call to Praise.” Find links to the other posts and participating websites.

I’m so honored to be part of Jennifer Slattery’s A Call to Praise Blog Hop. On this Maundy Thursday, I’m hosted by Allyson Carter at her blog where I’ve shared my thoughts on Psalm 103:12. I hope you’ll stop by and say, “Hi!”

Soaring through Hardships

Link to the main article of “A Call to Praise.” Find links to the other posts and participating websites.

I’m so excited to welcome Sarah Ruut on Faith Driven Fiction as a stop on the “A Call to Praise” blog hop. If you want to check out some of the other posts in the the blog hop which is focusing on Psalm 103, Please use the icon for a link to the main post. I’m so glad my friend, Jennifer Slattery put this group together, and I’m thankful that she invited me to join. What an excellent collection of devotions and digging into these verses. And Sarah’s insight is inspiring!

*****

Sometimes life gets tough. We face difficult circumstances, we hurt, and there seems to be no way out. During those hard times, it’s all too easy to read a verse like Psalm 103:5 and scoff. Perhaps that is true for others, but the spot we’re in proves otherwise for us…

Those tough times sure don’t look like “good things,” do they?

While the challenges we face aren’t necessarily good themselves, they do provide an opportunity for other “good things” to enter our lives.

Several years ago I was in one of those difficult times. I was a single mom of four young children, and I was scrambling to make ends meet. One way or another, though, we were managing.

One day at church, a friend handed me $200 in cash. I tried to refuse it, because at that point we were doing okay. She insisted that I tuck it away, “because you never know when you’ll need it.” I gave in, and I tucked the cash in my wallet.

A couple of weeks later, we caught the flu. As a precaution, our family doctor wanted all of us to take Tamiflu. She argued that I really couldn’t afford to come down with the flu, since I had all these little ones to care for. I dutifully went to get the prescriptions filled.

When I picked them up, the girl at the window told me the total was $200. What?! Surely she forgot to bill it to the insurance company. We should only have a $15 copay or something, right?

Unfortunately, that was the patient portion (for five of us). Without insurance, it would have been about six times as much.
I was in shock, and my stomach clenched. I paid for the prescriptions, and as I pulled away from the window, my mind was churning. I couldn’t afford a major expense like this. I was barely making it as it was!

I didn’t grumble silently for very long before I sensed a gentle nudge. “Remember that $200 in your wallet – that cash you have? I provided for this already. You didn’t know you’d need it, but I did…”

Oh. Right.

Talk about a humbling, yet truly awe-inspiring, moment!

Gratitude filled my heart as I realized that He had met a need that He knew was coming, showing me yet again that I could trust Him to take care of us.

He fills our years with good things. He brings people into our lives who become blessings in a variety of ways. This is but one of many stories I could share from that difficult time. SO many people blessed us in so many different ways. And the Lord brought each of them into our lives. He filled our lives with good things, even during a time when it seemed hopeless.

Why? So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Have you ever seen an eagle soaring high above? Growing up in the Northwest provided several opportunities to see these regal birds. They are huge, powerful birds, and they glide effortlessly across the sky. They are amazing to watch.

I think there is a reason He renews our youth like an eagle and not like a worm! We need to be able to rise above the circumstances that surround us. The weight of the world could certainly pull us down and overwhelm us. But God brings good things into our lives to renew our strength so we can rise above it. Not to ignore it, but to overcome it.

I pray that, no matter your circumstances today, you will find those good things the Lord has brought into your life, and that they will renew your strength today. We can praise Him together for it!

So blessed by Sarah’s insight. 

Your turn: Was there a time in your past that you can relate to Sarah’s story. When the Lord clearly satisfied with good things?

Sarah Ruut is an avid reader who loves talking books and authors on her blog. Although she is regularly interrupted by geometry proofs and foreign languages, she wouldn’t trade her homeschooling days for anything. All she needs is a cinnamon roll and a great novel to get through the rough spots!

You can find devotional thoughts as well as reviews of Christian fiction, interviews with amazing authors, giveaways and more at sarahruut.com. You can also connect with Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahruut

Are You in the Top 1%?

My critique partner and writing buddy, Jennifer Slattery, drew me in with a blog title much like this one. Did it intrigue you? About 89% of you who chose to read this did so because of the title.

What’s in a name? A lot, it seems.

Hold Tight to the Call

Jennifer Slattery joined me on Tuesday for a visit. And today, she’s back to share some of the inspiration found in her new novel, Beyond I Do!

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

Failure. Ouch. No one likes that word, and I’m pretty sure many will do whatever they can to

“Getting the Call” with Jennifer Slattery

I’m so delighted to have one of my friends and critique partners, Jennifer Slattery, on a virtual visit. Her debut novel, Beyond I Do, has just launched and I asked her about that moment that every author anticipates – “The Call.”

Marji: What was your greatest fear before you were published?

Jennifer: Exposure.

Marji: What do you mean?

Award Winning! Woohoo!

Hubby teased me yesterday when I texted my arrival time to him. He said, “I’m sorry. I only pick up AWARD-WINNING AUTHORS at the airport.”